New York Knicks

Player News - Knicks

Derek Fisher said that Tim Hardaway Jr. is still experiencing so much pain/discomfort in his right (shooting) wrist that he's not even able to shoot right now.

Fisher went on to say that he's hopeful that by the weekend the Knicks will be able to start considering a potential return date for Hardaway Jr., but acknowledged that he's not likely to make a return any time soon. Hardaway Jr. has been out since March 15, so he'll likely be on a minutes limit when he is eventually able to return to the lineup, but with limited upside and no clear return date, he belongs on the waiver wire in all formats.

Alexey Shved (ribs) is open to re-signing with the Knicks after the 2014-15 season, according to sources.

According to those same sources, Shved loves playing for Knicks head coach Derek Fisher and is open to returning to the Knicks when he becomes and unrestricted free agent after the summer. Shved played some of the best basketball of his career with the Knicks in March and 16.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.4 blocks, and 1.9 three-pointers during the month. The 26-year-old can be dropped in all fantasy leagues as there's a good chance he won't play again this season, but he's a player fantasy owners should keep in mind for the 2015-16 season.

Knicks president Phil Jackson sent a letter to Knicks season-ticket holders asking them to remain optimistic during the team's struggles.

Despite the fact that the Knicks currently own a league-worst 14-60 record, Jackson asked fans to stay patient in a video message. "While I know this has been a challenging season for our team on the court, I can also tell you that everyone in the organization is working tirelessly to get our Knicks back to a place where we are once again competing at the highest level," Jackson said. With plenty of cap space and a likely top-four draft pick this summer, Knicks fans will have to hope that Jackson and a healthy Carmelo Anthony will be able to get the franchise back on track.

Ledo has seen his minutes steadily increase playing for a Knicks squad that has been devastated by injuries. However, he doesn't shoot a good percentage (35.9 percent from the field) and his turnovers are a problem (2.6 turnovers per game), so he's still not worth owning in standard leagues. Owners in very deep leagues desperate for some points and 3-point shooting can give him a look.

Cleanthony Early played 18 minutes against the Bulls on Saturday with nine points, one rebound, three assists, two steals and one 3-pointer.

He committed five fouls and made a couple mental lapses in the game. The Knicks were going to give him an extended look, but he's kind of squandering the chance. It looks like Ricky Ledo is the better add. Yes, these are your 2014-15 New York Knickerbockers.

Ricky Ledo played a career-high 29 minutes against the Bulls on Saturday with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one 3-pointer.

He's going to get minutes and this was his third consecutive game with at least 20. Ledo may have the inside track for bench minutes right now because Cleanthony Early can't seem to show any sort of consistency. Ledo is still only worth a look in deep leagues for now.

Head coach Derek Fisher is still encouraging Ricky Ledo to be aggressive despite his high number of turnovers.

Ledo has turned the ball over a combined 10 times in the past two games, but Fisher acknowledged that he will have a learning curve in the NBA. "I think he’s trying to be aggressive and make plays,’’ Fisher said. "You don’t want to turn it over that many times. I don’t know if you want to dial back the aggression. We need to continue to have guys willing to get in there and try to attack and make plays. He’s still getting comfortable offensively. I don’t think it’s about reining him in, just having him understand his options in those situations." Due to injuries to Alexey Shved, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jose Calderon, Ledo will likely get another 10-day contract on Sunday and should have plenty of opportunities to improve. That being said, Ledo is only worth monitoring in deeper leagues.

Jose Calderon admitted that he is likely done for the season due to his ailing Achilles.

Calderon is expected to be in a walking boot for at least another week, and with the season drawing to a close, there is no reason for the veteran point guard to risk his health. "To play again, I don’t think it’s a good chance,’’ Calderon said. "It’s a totally different picture now.’’ Calderon can be dropped just about everywhere, and it will be up to Langston Galloway and Shane Larkin to handle most of the backcourt responsibilities for the remainder of the season.

Shane Larkin played 44 minutes against the Celtics on Friday during a 96-92 loss with 14 points, one rebound, six assists and one steal.

It's his second 44-minute game in his last three, but it's his first game with double-digit points in his last four. Larkin isn't exactly a per-minute dynamo, but he'll be on the radar if he's logging 44 minutes. He's still not a must-own player or anything, but give him a look if you really need a point guard.

Cleanthony Early scored 12 points with five rebounds, one assist, three steals and one turnover in 29 minutes against the Celtics on Friday.

He was 5-of-13 from the field and he's finally starting to get some significant run. Alexey Shved (ribs) is likely out for the season, so Early could have an impact in deeper leagues. Until he starts to make shots, he's not worth owning in standard leagues.

Andrea Bargnani scored a game-high 25 points against the Celtics on Friday with seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two 3-pointers in 39 minutes.

He played a season high in minutes and matched his season high in scoring. Bargnani was starting to fade before tonight with a six-point game on Wednesday while he only had 1.0 boards per game in his last two. He should still be worth owning in standard leagues even with his inconsistency.

While Jose would not rule out the possibility of him making a return this season, he admitted that he doesn't like his chances. There's really no reason for Calderon to risk a setback playing for the worst team in basketball, so we don't expect to see him back on the floor this season. He belongs on the waiver wire in all leagues.

Tim Hardaway Jr. (wrist) has been ruled out for Friday's game vs. the Celtics, and he's unlikely for Saturday's game vs. the Bulls.

With Hardaway Jr. and Alexey Shved (ribs) sidelined, Langston Galloway will get all the run he can handle. Ricky Ledo could also enter the rotation, but Galloway is the better play in standard leagues.